Anxiety
Types of Anxiety
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There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life (e.g., work, health, relationships), often without a clear cause.
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Panic Disorder: Involves sudden, intense panic attacks — episodes of extreme fear that trigger physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
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Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations.
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Phobias: Irrational fears of specific things or situations (e.g., heights, spiders, flying).
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Symptoms of Anxiety
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Causes of Anxiety
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Anxiety can result from a mix of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors:
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Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
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Traumatic life experiences
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Chronic stress
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Medical conditions or medications
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Substance use or withdrawal
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Physical Symptoms:
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
Sweating or trembling
Fatigue or insomnia
Upset stomach or nausea
Emotional Symptoms:
Persistent worry or fear
Feeling tense or on edge
Trouble concentrating
Restlessness or irritability